Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding financial aid for current students. Please law financial aid with any questions not listed on this page.

 

Q:  How do current students apply for or renew scholarships?
A:  Current students will be provided with information regarding scholarship renewal and application processes in late February or early March.
 
Q:  What forms does a current student have to fill out in order to receive financial aid at Santa Clara?
A:  Most current students must renew their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is e-mailed in late December if you filled electronically. When filling out the form, be sure to include Santa Clara University as one of the six schools that you list to receive your information. Santa Clara University's federal school code is 001326. Complete your FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
 
Q:  How much money can a student receive in a scholarship?
A:  The range is $1,000 to full tuition depending on the type of scholarship.
 
Q:  Other than scholarships, what kind of aid is available to current law students?
A:  Current law students can receive up to $18,500 per year from the FFELP loan program.

 

Students can also apply for private loans, and often receive up to the cost of attendance (student budget) minus the amount of other financial aid received.

Eligibility is often determined by an applicant's credit history.

 

Sample Student package for 2005-2006:

 

$8,500 Subsidized Stafford Loan (interest does not accrue while in school)
$10,000 Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (interest accrues while in school)
$32,272 Private Loan
 
Q:  Does everyone receive the subsidized loan?
A:  Not everyone qualifies for any or all of the $8,500 subsidized loan. It is known as a "need-based" aid program. In the event that the borrower does not qualify for the subsidized loan, he/she may borrow the full $18,500 in unsubsidized loan.
 
Q:  How does one go about applying for the private loans?
A:  Most lenders now take application information over the phone or over the web. Private lender information is available on our financial aid website.
 
Q:  Where can I find out more information about financial aid for law school.
A:  FinAid! The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid has excellent information and links to free scholarship search services, like FastWeb!

 
 
Q:  Who should I contact if I have questions about financial aid?
A:  Current law students should contact the Law Financial Aid Office at 408-551-1719 or eburkhardt@scu.edu. Before contacting us, be sure to read through the information on this web site. The answers to the most common questions can be found in the information provided.
 
Q:  Is there a deadline for filing the FAFSA?
A:  Santa Clara asks that applicants file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, however we suggest that students apply by March 2, so we can generate financial aid award letters as soon as possible.